South Peru – Birding the Inca Empire, Andes and Amazonian Rainforests

South Peru: Birding the Inca Empire, Andes and Amazonian Rainforests
July 2026/2027

Peru has the second highest country bird list on the planet (second only to Colombia). With an incredible bird species list of 1,890 species and an equally amazing 113 country endemics, Peru is, quite simply, a must-visit birding destination. Our 16-day tour through southern Peru will take you to explore some of the classic highlights of this incredible country. Peru is also famous for being one of the richest countries on the planet for archaeology, with a staggering pre-Hispanic heritage that started around 5,000BC, making it easy to find remains of its ancient past around each corner. This tour will take you to explore some of the country’s classic, famous birding sites of the southern part of the country: Machu Picchu, the Manu Road and the Macaw Clay Lick. The magnificent Andean scenery and archeological sites provide a grand backdrop to the birding.

We will spend some time enjoying the famous Machu Picchu ruins (Niall Perrins).

Our tour will start in the city of Lima, the international point of entry to the country, and after being welcomed by our staff, we will spend a night in a comfortable hotel in the city. The following day we will catch a flight to the city of Puerto Maldonado, the capital of the Madre de Dios state, in the Peruvian Amazon. Puerto Maldonado provides the main point of access to the Tambopata National Reserve, a 1,060 square mile (2,700 square kilometers) wildlife haven which protects several Amazon rainforest ecosystems. This reserve is a refuge for a number of threatened and charismatic species including the likes of Giant Otters, Jaguars, Harpy Eagles and several species of loud and colorful macaws. We shall spend five days exploring this region which includes a couple of nights at the Chuncho Lodge, located near the famous Macaw Clay Lick along the Tambopata River. Here you will have the chance to witness one of the most incredible natural avian spectacles, with dozens of macaws and parrots congregating in a unique combination of color and noise; a sensory overload if there ever was one! To maximize our chances of seeing the clay lick in its full splendor we have included two visits to it. During our stay in Chuncho Lodge, we will also spend time birding along a number of forest trails where we may be lucky enough to encounter other elusive forest creatures such as Colombian Red Howler Monkey, Southern Amazon Red Squirrel, Tayra, and, with luck, a Lowland (Brazilian) Tapir or even the elusive Jaguar. Our Best of Brazil tour birding and mammal tour, which includes the Pantanal, is the best option for seeing Jaguar and other charismatic South American mammals; in Peru they tend to be more elusive.

We will have the chance to visit a classic Amazon oxbow lake where we should encounter some similar widespread Amazon species similar to those found at Chuncho Lodge but with the addition of some aquatic birds such as the incredibly beautiful Agami Heron, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Green Ibis, Sungrebe, the famous leaf-eating Hoatzin, Horned Screamer and with some luck, the scarce and endangered Giant Otter.

The strange-looking Hoatzin will hopefully be encountered in the Amazon rainforest.

After six days in the Amazon basin, we will fly to the city of Cusco, at an altitude of 8,858 feet (2,792 meters), from where we will be transferred to the comfortable Hotel Pakaritampu in the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. In the hotel gardens we will hope to see a number of fantastic hummingbird species including Bearded Mountaineer and Green-tailed Trainbearer. The small tourist town of Ollantaytambo stands near the train station that will take us to the famous Machu Picchu ruins.

The next day we will take a 1.5-hour, magnificently scenic, Andean train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes (hot springs), the base from which we will enjoy the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu (we will have a maximum of three hours at this site). We will use the time to see the site from all its classic angles and soak in the atmosphere of this world-famous archaeological wonder. While we are here, we will also spend time tracking down the Peruvian endemic Inca Wren. The lush forest around Machu Picchu holds other interesting species such as the endemic Masked Fruiteater, the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbird, Slaty Tanager, Sclater’s Tyrannulet, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Andean Motmot, Ocellated Piculet, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Variable Antshrike, Rust-and-yellow Tanager, Andean Guan, White-eared Solitaire, Pale-legged Warbler, Oleaginous Hemispingus, while the nearby river provides views of Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper and Fasciated Tiger Heron.

The brightly colored Masked Fruiteater.

The last leg of our adventure will take us to explore the fantastic Manu Road, a famous (among birders especially), unpaved, old road that links the city of Cusco with the lowlands of Madre de Dios, in the Amazon basin. Manu Road provides us with dramatic altitudinal changes, ensuring we pass through many different habitat types which, in turn, means we will encounter a myriad of bird species. Manu Road is an essential inclusion on any birding tour to southern Peru. We will spend the following five days exploring habitats including arid scrub slopes, steep mountain slopes, cloud forest and lush humid tropical forest. We will look for an incredible set of species such as the endemic Red-and-white Antpitta, Marcapata Spinetail, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, Masked Trogon, Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan and Golden-headed Quetzal. Mixed-species flocks will be investigated for a number of tanagers such as Paradise, Bay-headed, Spotted, Beryl-spangled, Blue-and-black and Golden-collared as well as the gorgeous Versicolored Barbet.

The two-week-long odyssey will give you an introduction to South America like no other. On this tour we will visit two mega birding destinations, Manu Road and the Macaw Clay Lick as well as the world-famous Machu Picchu Inca ruins. This tour can be combined with our preceding Cusco and Apurímac Jewels birding trip, where we target a number of classic Andean specials. Come and join us on this birding adventure which is sure to be an assault on the senses.

Itinerary (16 days/15 nights)

Day 1. Arrival in Lima

This is a travel day. You will arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima and will be transferred to your hotel.

No activities are included on Day 1, since most international flights arrive in Lima late in the evening. If you arrive on an early flight you might be able to arrange an early check-in at the hotel (usually at a reasonable price), or we can organize an optional birding morning near the city.

Overnight: Hotel in Lima

Day 2. Flight to Puerto Maldonado and birding the town

After a 2.5-hour flight we will reach the Amazon town of Puerto Maldonado. Once in Puerto Maldonado, we will check in at the hotel and after lunch explore the Cachuela Road near town for our first set of birds.

Paradise Tanager is one of the many tanager species we should see on this tour.

The birding around Puerto Maldonado is quite good early in the morning and then again in the afternoon. The habitat consists of agricultural pastures with tropical secondary growth, which is quite good for finding specials like the localized White-throated Jacamar. A population of Brazilian Teal has established itself around town, and we should have close-up views of this bird. Other birds include Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Spotted Tody-Flycatcher, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Blue-headed Parrot, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Green Ibis, Roadside Hawk, Red-breasted Blackbird, White-tailed Kite, Chestnut-bellied Seedeater, Purus Jacamar, Great Antshrike and Barred Antshrike.

Overnight: Hotel Cabaña Quinta, Puerto Maldonado

Day 3. Birding Sandoval Lake

We will have an early start to take our 45-minute-long boat trip along the river to the Sandoval Lake, a huge oxbow lake near the Madre de Dios River. The trail leading to the lake is roughly two miles (almost three kilometers) long and along the trail we will keep a look out for species such as Black-fronted Nunbird, Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, White-bellied Parrot, Coraya Wren, Great Antshrike, Black-faced Antthrush, Plumbeous Pigeon, Lineated Woodpecker, Undulated Tinamou, Spix’s Guan, Speckled Chachalaca, Black-tailed, Blue-crowned and Green-backed Trogons and Amazonian Motmot. When we reach the lake, we will have a canoe ride across the lake where we expect to see the gorgeous Blue-and-yellow Macaw, and other birds such as Green Ibis, Grey-cowled Wood Rail, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Long-billed Woodcreeper, Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Horned Screamer, Limpkin, Capped Heron, Sunbittern, Greater Ani, Masked Crimson Tanager, White-throated Toucan, Black Caracara, Snail Kite, Ringed, Green, Amazon and American Pygmy Kingfishers, Gilded Barbet, and with luck the elusive Agami Heron. We shall pay special attention to Red-bellied Macaws, which roost in the Mauritian Palm trees. We will then take the trail back to the river to be transferred to Puerto Maldonado city.

Overnight Hotel Cabaña Quinta, Puerto Maldonado

Red-bellied Macaw is one of a number of parrot species we should see on this tour.

Days 4– 6. Macaw Clay Lick and Amazon rainforest

We will spend the next three days exploring the Chuncho Lodge located along the Tambopata River. This lodge can only be reached by a combination of land and river transportation from Puerto Maldonado and is located near the Tambopata National Park in the Amazon lowlands.

The lodge is strategically located near the famous Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick where (weather permitting) we can witness the daily ritual of several species of parrots and macaws coming to ingest the clay from which they obtain nutritional supplements and antioxidants to eliminate potential toxins from their usual diet.

The Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick provides us with chances of seeing Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Red-and-green Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, Blue-and-yellow Macaw and Blue-headed Macaw, which should hopefully give us six macaw species for the trip.

Other parrots seen at the clay lick include Southern Mealy Amazon, Yellow-crowned Amazon, Blue-headed Parrot, Orange-cheeked Parrot, White-eyed Parakeet and Dusky-headed Parakeet.

Blue-necked Tanager, yet another gorgeous tanager.

The river trips from the lodge to the clay lick can be delightful with some of the following fantastic species likely: Capped Heron, Cocoi Heron, White-banded Swallow, White-winged Swallow, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Black Caracara, Great Black Hawk, Swallow-winged Puffbird, Roadside Hawk, Sunbittern, and perhaps even our first encounters with Colombian Red Howler Monkeys and Capybaras. If we are lucky, we may see the scarce Orinoco Goose; this is one of the best places to see this species in Peru.

The forest interior holds skulking species such as Striated Antbird, White-browed Antbird, White-lined Antbird, Silvered Antbird, Plumbeous Antbird, Goeldi’s Antbird, Chestnut-tailed Antbird, Black-faced Antthrush, Undulated Tinamou and Moustached Wren. Other canopy and sub-canopy forest species that we might see,include White-necked Puffbird, Semicollared Puffbird, Lemon-throated Barbet, Lettered Aracari, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Band-tailed Manakin, Screaming Piha, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, and Red-necked Woodpecker. With luck, we might also find the elusive Razor-billed Curassow, Pavonine Quetzal and Pale-winged Trumpeter.

At night we can try for Crested Owl, Spectacled Owl and Tawny-bellied Screech Owl.

Overnight: Chuncho Lodge

Day 7. Flight to Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo

Today we will be transferred back to the city of Puerto Maldonado and catch a flight to Cusco in the Peruvian Andes.

The city of Cusco is well-known as the capital of the ancient Inca Empire and is certainly one of the most important archaeological destinations in the world. Cusco is a busy tourist destination with good facilities and we will overnight in Cusco later in the tour; today we’ll instead proceed further to Ollantaytambo. We should hopefully arrive in this small, fascinating Andean town in the Urubamba Valley, the “sacred valley of the Incas” in the afternoon.

Sparkling Violetear, one of the many hummingbird species we will likely encounter on this trip.

The gardens of the hotel are very good for hummingbirds such as the endemic Bearded Mountaineer, spectacular Black-tailed and Green-tailed Trainbearers, White-bellied Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear and a number of other species including Greenish Yellow Finch and Golden-billed Saltator.

Overnight: Hotel Pakaritampu, Ollantaytambo

Day 8. Birding Machu Picchu

Ollantaytambo is a very busy, yet small, tourist town. From here, we will take a 1.5-hour train journey to the village of Aguas Calientes (hot springs), the entry point to the famous Machu Picchu ruins. This is the most scenic part of the journey and through the train windows it is possible to see Torrent Ducks on the rapids of the Urubamba River. We will then take a 20-minute bus drive to the top of the mountain and will then enter the renowned Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Despite the crowds of tourists, we will do our best (weather permitting) to ensure you get all the classic Machu Picchu views and appreciate its fine and impressive stone work. Please note, the visit does not include the complete cultural and comprehensive tour that can take over three hours, as there are also some important target birds for us to look out for while here.

The lush forest around Machu Picchu holds great species such as Andean Motmot, Collared Inca, Slate-throated Whitestart, Green Hermit, Plum-crowned Parrot, Torrent Duck, Torrent Tyrannulet, Black Phoebe, Silver-backed Tanager, Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet and the Peruvian endemic Inca Wren.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes

We’ll look for the distinctive local subspecies of Collared Inca in the Machu Picchu area.

Day 9. Birding the Urubamba River, return to Cusco

We will spend a full morning along the Urubamba River, looking for the endemic and most-wanted Masked Fruiteater as well as the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbird. We will look out for mixed-species flocks which often contain Sclater’s Tyrannulet, Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Ashy-headed Tyrannulet, Blue-necked Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Ocellated Piculet, Slaty Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Barred Becard, Azara’s Spinetail, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Capped Conebill, Mitred Parakeet, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Golden-olive Woodpecker and Grey-breasted Wood Wren.

After lunch we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then drive back to Cusco to our hotel located just a few blocks from the main Cusco square.

Overnight: Andean Wings Boutique Hotel, Cusco

Day 10. Birding the Manu Road

Today we will explore the famous road that connects the Andes of Cusco with the Amazon rainforest, the Manu Road. The Manu Road passes through different types of habitat like dry high-altitude Andean mountains, elfin forest, cloud forest, and moist montane forest. We shall leave Cusco in the direction of the Manu Road with the first stop on the Huacarpay Lake. Here we shall have a quick look for several species of Andean waterfowl, like Yellow-billed Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Puna Teal, Cinnamon Teal, and Andean Duck. Other birds include Plumbeous Rail, Andean Coot, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Many-colored Rush Tyrant, Streak-fronted Thornbird, Wren-like Rushbird, Andean Gull, Andean Lapwing, Andean Flicker and Cinereous Harrier. We will also look for Giant Hummingbird, the largest hummer in the world, as well as for the endemic Rusty-fronted Canastero.

We will drive up the mountains to 12,500 feet (3,800 meters), where we will have chances of seeing Slender-billed Miner, Mountain Caracara, Andean Flicker, Brown-bellied Swallow, Puna Thistletail, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, D’Orbigny’s Chat-Tyrant, White-throated Tyrannulet, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, White-banded Tyrannulet, along with two fine Peruvian endemics, Creamy-crested Spinetail and Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch. In the evening we will look for Swallow-tailed Nightjar, which is often seen along the road.

Overnight: Wayqecha Biological Station near Manu National Park

Day 11. Birding the Manu Cloud Forest

We will explore the area around the lodge including the Wayqecha Canopy Walkway and the famous Pillahuata area looking for two important Peruvian endemics, Red-and-white Antpitta and Marcapata Spinetail, as well as other great birds such as Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Band-tailed Fruiteater, Masked Trogon, Southern Mountain Cacique, Red-crested Cotinga, Black-throated Tody-Tyrant, Trilling Tapaculo, Barred Fruiteater, Fulvous Wren, Moustached Flowerpiercer, Masked Flowerpiercer, White-collared Jay and Montane Woodcreeper. We will search through mixed-species feeding flocks where we may pick out a number of tanager species such as Golden-collared Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager and Hooded Mountain Tanager. With some luck, we might find Yungas Pygmy-Owl, which is often seen in the cloud forest around Wayqecha. After a hopefully good morning birding session, we will start our slow drive through the magical humid montane forest including the Rocotal area where we can get our first looks at Blue-banded Toucanet, Chestnut-crested Cotinga and Andean Cock-of–the-rock.

Near the Union bridge, we will check the fast-flowing waters of the Kosñipata River looking for Torrent Duck and White-capped Dipper and with luck Lyre-tailed Nightjar at its daytime roost.

After a great day’s birding, we will arrive at the Cock of the Rock Lodge which will be our base for the next three days.

Overnight: Cock of the Rock Lodge, Manu Cloud Forest

The highly sought-after Andean Cock-of-the-rock.

Days 12 – 14. Birding around Cock of the Rock Lodge

We have three full days to explore the area around the Cock of the Rock Lodge, looking for amazing flocks of tanagers such as Bay-headed Tanager, Golden Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Orange-eared Tanager, Spotted Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Straw-backed Tanager, Green-and-gold Tanager, Golden-eared Tanager and Beryl-spangled Tanager. We will also of course look for many other birds like Blue Dacnis, Black-faced Dacnis, Versicolored Barbet, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Peruvian Warbling Antbird, Stripe-chested Antwren, Chestnut-backed Antshrike, Western Fire-eye, Yungas Manakin, Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Plumbeous Pigeon, Lemon-browed Flycatcher, Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Ochre-faced Tody-Flycatcher, Magpie Tanager, Long-tailed Tyrant, Blue-banded Toucanet, White-eared Solitaire and Andean Cock-of-the-rock. At night we may find Rufescent Screech Owl and with luck the scarce Band-bellied Owl.

Then we have another day to explore the lower altitude parts of Manu Road, where we can find Bamboo Antshrike, Red-billed Scythebill, Dot-winged Antwren, White-lined Antbird, Ornate Stipplethroat, Scaly-naped Amazon, Buff-rumped Warbler, White-winged Tanager, the Peruvian endemic Black-backed Tody-Flycatcher. Hummingbird feeders provide great views of Violet-fronted Brilliant, Wire-crested Thorntail, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Speckled Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear, and Many-spotted Hummingbird.

We will be lucky to find the secretive Brown Tinamou which sometimes visits the Cock of the Rock Lodge gardens, also a good place to try for the elusive endemic Cerulean-capped Manakin and Yungas Manakin. The feeders in the garden often attract other wildlife such as Tayra, Bolivian Squirrel and Margarita Island (Large-headed) Capuchin.

The viewpoint known locally as the “Mirador” a few kilometers above the lodge, is a good vantage point to look for Black-and-chestnut Eagle and Solitary Eagle, truly spectacular raptors, while we will have our work set out for us as we keep a look out for Andean Potoos at their day roosts. Other mixed flocks often contain Cuzco Warbler, Two-banded Warbler, Grey-mantled Wren, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Capped Conebill and with luck Yellow-rumped Antwren.

Overnight: Cock of the Rock Lodge, Manu Cloud Forest

Day 15. Transfer to Cusco

On our final day on the Manu Road we will drive from Cock of the Rock Lodge back to Cusco, making selective stops along the road while looking for species we may have missed on previous days.

Overnight: Andean Wings Boutique Hotel, Cusco

Days 16. Flight to Lima and departure

You will fly out from Cusco to Lima city and connect to your international flights.

Please note that the itinerary cannot be guaranteed as it is only a rough guide and can be changed (usually slightly) due to factors such as availability of accommodation, updated information on the state of accommodation, roads, or birding sites, the discretion of the guides and other factors. In addition, we sometimes have to use a different international guide from the one advertised due to tour scheduling.

South Peru – Birding the Inca Empire, Andes and Amazonian Rainforests, July 2025

By Eduardo Ormaeche

01-16 JULY 2025

Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird (photo Andrew Cutler).

Overview

In July 2025 we ran our South Peru: Birding the Inca Empire, Andes and Amazonian Rainforest tour, and it was great to return to this destination after a couple of years’ absence. This trip is designed to provide both casual and serious birders with the opportunity to get a taste of the birds and wildlife that southern Peru offers. We visited famous and iconic destinations like the Andes, including the legendary archeological site of Machu Picchu standing in the cloud forest mountains of Cusco, and the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. We were able to feast our eyes on classic bird species, including Hoatzin, Sunbittern, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, Torrent Duck, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Paradise Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, White-throated Toucan, Laughing Falcon, Buff-tailed Sicklebill and King Vulture, to name a few.

The route also offered a selection of the most range-restricted species for serious birders and listers, such as White-throated Jacamar, Inca Wren, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Inca Flycatcher, Slaty Tanager, White-lined and Striated Antbirds, Bamboo Antshrike, Yungas Manakin, Black-backed Tody Tyrant, Peruvian Piedtail, Bearded Mountaineer, Blue-banded Toucanet, plus a few species of antpittas, including Red-and-white, Rufous-breasted and Urubamba Antpittas. We had fantastic encounters with other species such as Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Blue-and-yellow Macaw and Versicolored Barbet.

Giant (River) Otters are always a mammalian highlight of the trip (photo Andrew Cutler).

We had 13 full days of birding and recorded, amongst others, the following numbers of species: 43 hummingbirds, 18 parrots, 4 antpittas, 53 tanagers and allies and 23 species of mammals, including the endangered Giant (River) Otter.

It was very convenient to visit several feeding stations along the Manu Road, all of which have been opened to the public recently. Visitors can now fairly easily get closer views and photo opportunities of several bird species. We invite you to read the day-by-day description in the report below – we are sure it will be informative and fun. If you have never had the opportunity to visit this area, we hope this report will put this destination on your radar, and for the tour participants, we trust this will be a nice review of a memorable tour.

Detailed Report

Day 1, 1^st July 2025. Arrival in Lima and transfer to hotel

The tour participants arrived in Lima, the capital of Peru, and they were transferred to our comfortable hotel for the night.

Day 2, 2^nd July 2025. Flight to Puerto Maldonado and birding the surroundings

This morning we were transferred back to the airport to take a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the capital of the Madre de Dios state, located in southeast Peru. This state borders Brazil and Bolivia and is in the Amazon rainforest at an elevation of 600 feet (183 meters). This active and bustling town stands at the confluence of the Madre de Dios River and the Tambopata River, and is the gateway to several Amazon lodges in the Tambopata Reserve, as well as more remote areas like Los Amigos and the Manu River. There are daily connecting flights to Cusco or 300 miles (480 km) of road, and it is usually visited by tourists during the Peruvian winter (June-August). South American winters experience cold fronts coming from the south (Antarctic winds) which are known locally as Friajes. They cause temperatures to drop from an average of 91.4°F (33°C) to 50°F (10°C), with high humidity and cold. This does not happen all winter long but repeats itself five or six times, generally lasting about five days. We arrived in Puerto Maldonado at the end of a cold front and even though it was sunny, most of us felt quite chilly.

In spite of the cold our first afternoon of birding was great, with good species in rice fields outside town, including Horned Screamer, White-faced and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Brazilian Teal, Southern Lapwing, Collared Plover, Green Ibis, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Capped Heron, Large-billed Tern, numerous Wattled Jacanas, Wood Stork, Red-breasted Blackbird, Grassland Sparrow, Yellowish Pipit, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Lesser Yellow–headed Vulture, Snail Kite, and Red-bellied Macaw, amongst others. We returned to our hotel in town at sunset.

Day 3, 3^rd July 2025. Visiting Sandoval Lake

After a tasty and generous breakfast, we went to Madre de Dios River to take a 45-minute boat trip to Sandoval Lake, located in Tambopata Reserve. Before sailing east, we stopped to look for White-throated Jacamar, which showed well but at the wrong angle for good photos. At the same place we also spotted a Brown-throated Sloth.During the boat ride we saw White-banded, Southern Rough-winged and White-winged Swallows, and Drab Water Tyrant.

The temperature was perfect, neither chilly nor hot. We walked slowly over 1.2 miles (2 km) along a wooden boardwalk to the lake, looking for birds along the way. Activity was slow but we managed some good birds, which kept our spirits high, such as Collared Trogon, Black-fronted Nunbird, Little Cuckoo (seen briefly by some), Red-stained Woodpecker, Masked Tityra, Olivaceous and Buff-throated Woodcreepers, Silver-beaked Tanager, Moustached Wren, Chivi Vireo, White-lored Tyrannulet, White-browed Antbird, Plain-throated, White-flanked and Grey Antwrens, Plain-winged and Fasciated Antshrikes, and the elusive Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. We had a nice view of Chestnut-capped Puffbird, which remained motionless for us. Once we arrived at the lake we had Grey-headed Tanager, a nice male Pink-throated Becard, Black-tailed Trogon (a female), Bluish-fronted Jacamar, White-shouldered Tanager and the handsome Red-necked Woodpecker. We tried for the impressive Long-billed Woodcreeper which sadly did not respond well, giving only a few glimpses around us.

The scenery and beauty of the oxbow lake, with calm waters surrounded by palms and trees, was outstanding. We spotted a few small Black Caimans on the water and a medium-sized one, about 8 feet (2.5 m) long, on the shore of the lake. Previously at high risk of extinction due to indiscriminate hunting, the world population is thankfully recovering, with an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 individuals in the wild. Another interesting creature was a Yellow-spotted River Turtle,which we saw well, posing and regulating its body temperature by resting on dead logs, with a butterfly occasionally alighting and licking salt from its head.

We had some pretty birds, including the monotypic Hoatzin and Sunbittern, both important targets for all participants. We enjoyed Ringed, Amazon and Green Kingfishers, Striated Heron, Black-capped Donacobius, Pale-vented Pigeon, Fork-tailed Palm Swifts, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Least Grebe, Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga and Rufescent Tiger Heron.

We saw the most-wanted Giant (River) Otter at relatively close distance from the boat, this was probably the creature of the trip. This is an endangered species, due to decades of poaching for its velvety pelt. This fantastic animal is found in the Peruvian Amazon, one of its last bastions and shelters, with an estimated population of 1,000 to 5,000 individuals, and no more than 60 in captivity. It is the largest otter in the world.

We retreated to the trail and walked back to the river, admiring some of the distinctive indigenous trees and plants, many of which are truly eye-catching. Matthew managed to spot Ivory-billed Aracari and Spix’s Guan.

We returned to town for another night in Puerto Maldonado, fortunately our last chilly night.

Day 4, 4^th July 2025. Transfer to Tambopata National Reserve and Chuncho Lodge

We left Puerto Maldonado and drove towards Filadelphia, passing through agricultural fields and secondary growth forest, parallel to the Tambopata River. After about an hour’s drive, and a few minutes along the river, we arrived at Chuncho Lodge, where we had a warm welcome and enjoyed a tasty lunch.

In the afternoon we birded the lodge clearing and adjacent trails and added Black-fronted Nunbird, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Blue-headed Parrot, Lineated and Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers, Thrush-like Wren, plus the common Blue-grey, Silver-beaked and Palm Tanagers. The small hummingbird garden was productive, with our first hummingbirds of the trip, including Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Reddish and White-bearded Hermits, and a female Butterfly Coquette (a split from Festive Coquette, which is now only found in the Atlantic forests of South America).

Some of us did a night walk before dinner and were rewarded with a White-throated Tinamou (roosting at night). We heard Crested Owl and Amazonian Pygmy Owl, with no good answers. We also had our first encounter with the Amazon Night Monkey.

This White-throated Tinamou was seen roosting at night (photo Matthew Rice).

Day 5, 5^th July 2025. Macaw clay lick and Chuncho Lodge

We had a predawn start, leaving the lodge at 04.30am, and sailed upriver to the Bahuaja Sonene National Park to visit the Chuncho clay lick. This clay lick is visited by parrots and macaws daily to ingest minerals and antioxidants. Upon arrival at certain rocky beaches of the Tambopata River, the boat lands in a specific area (where other lodge boats also park and visitors gather on the beach, sometimes several dozen depending on whether it is the tourist season). There is no blind (hide) between watchers and the birds, and visitor etiquette is based on each group’s guide’s advice.

It was a foggy morning and navigation was tricky, nevertheless, the expert boat drivers ensured a safe round trip. We had a field breakfast and then approached as close as possible, but the distance was still far enough so that spotting scopes were preferred and photography was not ideal.

We waited longer than expected and then the birds gathered in large flocks, mostly parakeets and parrots, with species like Blue-headed Parrot and Yellow-crowned Amazon, followed by plenty of Mealy Amazons and a few Orange-cheeked Parrots, a highly attractive South American parrot. Small parrots displayed while waiting for the large parrots. We had some other good birds in the vicinity, including Orinoco Goose, a scarce species in Peru and named after the Orinoco River (one of the largest rivers in the world in terms of the volume of water discharged at its delta). We also saw Large-billed and Yellow-billed Terns, Black Skimmer, Capped Heron, Pied Plover, Swallow-winged Puffbird, Roadside Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Lineated Woodpecker, Great Potoo (at a daytime roost), Black Caracara, Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, and our first King Vulture. Minutes later we had impressive Scarlet and Blue-and-yellow Macaws (fewer in number) and numerous Red-and-green Macaws. We saw fewer birds than expected, both descending the cliffs or at the clay lick itslef, perhaps because of the weather. Nevertheless, from a birding perspective it was magical to see all these birds flying by, don’t get me wrong!

We left the clay lick and returned to the lodge in time for lunch and a brief siesta. Later we went to watch the forest canopy from the 130-foot (40 meter) high scaffold tower. It was a mission to get up there, but once at the platform (if you don’t suffer from vertigo) it was a unique experience which allowed us to get good views of canopy birds. From here, we had a nice session, with views of Lettered and Chestnut-eared Aracaris, White-throated Toucan, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Bat Falcon, Masked Tityra, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Olive Oropendola, plus some others. However, the best was probably having closer views of Blue-and-yellow Macaw and, flight views of the trio of Scarlet Macaw, Red-and-green Macaw and Chestnut-fronted Macaw, showing its nice blue color under its wings. We saw the uncommon Black-capped Parakeet on a short mating session, this species can be hard to detect in the region.

We returned to the lodge and some tour participants decided to go for a night walk, finding Amazonian Pygmy Owl.

Day 6, 6^th July 2025. Chuncho Lodge

Today we spent our last day at the lodge. We started birding the hummingbird garden, where we found a male Butterfly Coquette which provided a lot of wows! Throughout the morning we explored one of the trails and had good views of Blue-headed Macaw, Amazonian Motmot, Bluish-slate Antshrike, which is often a mixed feeding flock sentinel, Plain-throated and White-flanked Antwrens, Peruvian Warbling Antbird, White-browed and White-lined Antbirds, Chestnut-tailed Antbird, White-throated Antbird, Plain-crowned Spinetail, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Forest Elaenia, White-winged Becard, Western Striolated Puffbird, White-fronted Nunbird, Rufous Motmot, Channel-billed Toucan, Rufous-capped Nunlet and Screaming Piha, one of the classic species of the amazon rainforest with its extraordinarily loud voice, reaching 116 decibels, the second loudest call in the world after White Bellbird. We heard Starred Wood Quail and had a glimpse of Undulated Tinamou on the way back to the lodge.

In the afternoon we took our boat to explore the Quebrada El Gato (“Cat’s Stream”), located upriver. The bird activity was generally slow, nevertheless we managed to add a few new species including Speckled Chachalaca, Spix’s Guan, Violaceous Jay, Short-crested Flycatcher, Streaked Flycatcher, Black Caracara, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Olive Oropendola, Channel-billed Toucan and a few others

Back at the lodge we enjoyed a large troop of countless Squirrel Monkeys and at dusk we saw Pauraque around the cabins.

Undulated Antpitta near Ollantaytabo (photo Matthew Rice).

Day 7, 7^th July 2025. Flight to Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo

We had an easy start, packed our luggage and prepared for the transfer back to Puerto Maldonado and then our flight to Cusco. Everything went smoothly and we landed in Cusco and were met by Hilmar, our main driver for the following days. He drove us out of the city using shortcuts and detours, trying to avoid the traffic. It seemed he was in a hurry of an unknown nature but we later realized he was coordinating with the caretakers of Paraiso de los Colibries feeding station to ensure they only fed the most-wanted Undulated Antpitta to coincide with our arrival. It took almost an hour and a half to reach this feeding station along the sacred valley of the Urubamba River. The tour participants were neither expecting to visit such a place nor to be able to witness the large Undulated Antpitta on a worm feeder. The participants were ecstatic, and also enjoyed views of some other great birds such as Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing (the second largest hummingbird in the world) and Giant Hummingbird (the largest hummingbird in the world). What a moment of excitement!

The hummingbird feeders further included Tyrian Metaltail, White-bellied Hummingbird and Sparking Violetear (the bully of the andes). We also enjoyed views of Golden-billed Saltator, Black-backed Grosbeak, Rufous-collared Sparrow and Chiguanco Thrush.

It was getting late, and we had to leave before dark, so continued our drive to Ollantaytambo. We wished we could have stayed longer, this is definitely a place that requires a full day for photographers, as it is often visited by other species that we didn’t see during our short visit.

Day 8, 8^th July 2025. Train to Aguas Calientes and visit to Machu Picchu

It’s generally a good idea to stay at Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft / 2,792 m elevation) versus Cusco (11,200 ft / 3,400 m elevation) during your first day in the mountains. The elevation is gentler, and the gardens of our hotel were surrounded by bird species. We spent about two hours birding the gardens, looking for the endemic Bearded Mountaineer which, after some searching, provided great views. This was species number 1,000 of the personal life list of our young participant Matthew, he will surely never forget that morning!

The garden held Black-backed Grosbeak, Spot-winged Pigeon, Cinereous Conebill, Hooded Siskin, Greenish Yellow Finch, Band-tailed Seedeater, Rusty Flowerpiercer and Black-tailed Trainbearer. Later we had a comfortable train ride for an hour and a half to the town of Aguas Calientes, the rendezvous for the Machu Picchu archeological site. We had a cultural visit scheduled for the afternoon. Then we did part of the “tourist routine”, which involved queuing to get the bus up to the ruins and being escorted by the cultural site guide, who gave us a good introduction to Machu Picchu and the history of the Incas. The views, especially from the top, were amazing, and we were very happy to see endemic Inca Wrens performing, with close-up views of a family foraging a few feet from us. It was fun to see Montane Vizcacha, an indigenous rodent of the Andes, at the ruins. This is a social animal which feeds on mountain grass and lives in rocky areas in the mountains reaching 14,000 feet (4,270 m), with a distribution from Ecuador to Argentina.

We enjoyed the comfort of the hotels and the nice and varied meals of the local restaurants.

Day 9, 9^th July 2025. Machu Picchu Sanctuary (Puente Ruinas)

Today we left the hotel at dawn to explore the forest along the Urubamba River, where most of the bird diversity in Machu Picchu is found. We started with views of Torrent Duck, one of the classic birds of the Andes. We hit our first mixed flock near the butterfly visitor center and had close-up views of the colorful Versicolored Barbet. In addition, we had other good species such as Fawn-breasted Tanager, Slaty Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Variable Antshrike, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Mottled-cheeked Tyrannulet, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Chivi Vireo, Tropical Parula, Russet-crowned Warbler, Slate-throated Whitestart and Grey-breasted Wood Wren. We scanned the river looking for White-capped Dipper, without success, but we found Torrent Tyrannulet and Fasciated Tiger Heron.

Torrent Duck below Machu Picchu (photo Andrew Cutler).

We had nice encounters with Andean Guan, Dusky-green Oropendola, Pale-legged Warbler, Oleaginous Hemispingus, the endemic Inca Flycatcher, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, White-tipped Swift, White-tipped Dove, Andean Motmot, Mitred Parakeet and Barred Becard. We looked for Masked Fruiteater, unfortunately without success, but a female Andean Cock-of-the-rock showed well with her cryptic coloration. Another nice addition was the near-endemic Blue-banded Toucanet,found only in the yungas of central and southern Peru and extending into Bolivia. A great selection of hummingbirds included the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, Green Hermit, Chestnut-breasted Coronet and White-bellied Hummingbird.

The near-endemic Blue-banded Toucanet seen below Machu Picchu (photo Andrew Cutler).

Later we visited the feeders of the butterfly visitor center, where we had nice views of Thick-billed and Orange-bellied Euphonias, White-lined Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager and Silver-backed Tanager (Silvery Tanager).

Finally, we had a Speckled-faced Parrot which remained nicely perched for photos. We returned to town, scanned the river for dippers, ate lunch and enjoyed some spare time, then caught our train back to Ollantaytambo. Some of us got views of White-capped Dipper in the stream adjacent to the train station. We arrived back in Ollantaytambo and Hilmar met us again and drove us to Cusco, where we spent a night in our nice downtown boutique-style hotel.

Day 10, 10^th July 2025. Huacarpay Wetlands and transfer to Manu Road

Today we were to visit Manu Road, the famous road that connects the high Andes with the yungas and cloudforest of Cusco and eventually the Amazon rainforest in the Madre de Dios state. The altitude varies between 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) and 1,600 feet (500 meters) along this road.

We started the day visiting the Huacarpay wetlands, where the first target was the endemic skulker, Rusty-fronted Canastero, which, after playing hide-and-seek, we managed to see well. Other birds included Puna Ibis, Andean Gull, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Bare-face Ground Dove, Chiguanco Thrush, White-crested Elaenia, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Wren-like Rushbird and the handsome Many-colored Rush Tyrant. There were waterfowl too distant for photos but we managed to identify Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail and Yellow-billed Teal. Additionally, we saw Andean Lapwing, Common Gallinule and Andean Coot, with Plumbeous Rail giving us a show – this is probably the best place to see this rail coming right out into the open. We continued our drive towards Paucartambo, reaching high elevations near 13,000 ft (3,962 m).

We then drove through little Andean villages at high altitude, and fairly easily got super views of Andean Ibis while traveling. We hurried to avoid traffic congestion due to local festivities in Paucartambo. We ate lunch at a new restaurant with hummingbird feeders and saw White-bellied Hummingbird, Green-tailed Trainbearer and White-bellied Woodstar.

We arrived at the tree line at Acjanaco, the entrance to the Manu Biosphere Reserve at 11,800 feet (3,600 meters) but it was sadly very quiet. We thus continued the drive down the mountain and spotted a Yungas Pygmy Owl, unfortunately we could not see it well, despite our best efforts. We also saw Andean Guan, White-collared Jay, Mountain Cacique and Plain-breasted Hawk.

Our first mixed species flock encountered on the Manu Road provided Hooded Mountain Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Spectacled Whitestart, Masked Flowerpiercer, the striking Grass-green Tanager, the uncommon Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager, Pearled Treerunner, Tyrian Metaltail, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, White-throated Tyrannulet and Three-striped Hemispingus.

We arrived at Wayquecha Biological Station and were pleased by the improvements here, such as Wi-Fi, and a better main building reception, bird feeders and meals – bravo to the chef!

Red-and-white Antpitta at the Wayquecha feeders (photo Andrew Cutler).

Day 11, 11^th July 2025. Antpitta feeders and transfer to Cock of the Rock Lodge

Wayquecha deserves plenty of time to bird, at an easy pace, exploring the different areas of the cloudforest mountain habitat of Pillahuata. We had to maximize our time and effort and thus focused on the most-wanted antpittas that, for the first time, are being fed at worm stations in Manu. The first of the antpittas was the endemic Urubamba Antpitta (a split from Rufous Antpitta, named after the valley of Urubamba in Cusco). Later we moved to look for the endemic Red-and-white Antpitta,which took longer to show up but eventually provided great views. Finally, we moved to the last station where the small Rufous-breasted Antpitta (a split from Rusty-breasted Antpitta, also known as Leymebamba Antpitta, after the town of Leymebamba in the northern Andes of Peru) was waiting for us and gave great views.

Urubamba Antpitta – another Peruvian endemic (photo Andrew Cutler).

We birded the Pillahuata zone, descending to lower elevations. We scored with a couple of Grey-breasted Mountain Toucans,which were big targets for our tour participants, especially Andrew. In the same area we found both Barred Fruiteater and Band-tailed Fruiteater, the latter providing good views and photos. We also had great encounters with Red-crested Cotinga and a couple of Citrine Warblers, Grey-eared Brushfinch, (Black-faced) Cinnamon Flycatchers and Amethyst-throated Sunangel, to name a few.

Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, of the lateralis subspecies (photo Andrew Cutler).

The hummingbird feeders at Wayquecha provided views of Long-tailed Sylph and the near-endemic Gould’s Inca, found only in southern Peru and Bolivia and elevated to a full species in 2022. It is named after the 19^th century British ornithologist John Gould. After lunch we drove down to San Pedro, making a few stops to add Andean Motmot, White-eared Solitaire, Mountain Wren, Scaly-naped Amazon (the only species of Amazona parrot that reaches high elevations) and Chestnut-collared Swift. Fortunately, it did not rain and the weather was perfect.

Later, we arrived at Cock of the Rock Lodge for three nights’ stay.

Day 12, 12^th July 2025. Cock of the Rock Lodge and La Union

The minimal parrot activity previously at the macaw clay lick was compensated by the bird activity at the feeders and gardens of Cock of the Rock Lodge. The activity was incredible when compared to other months like late August and September, when it is dry and slow. I think that arriving when the cold front was completely over caused us to experience activity throughout the day. The hummingbirds were active, with constantly busy Many-spotted Hummingbird, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Peruvian Racket-tail, Fork-tailed Woodnymph and Green Hermit, while the endemic Peruvian Piedtail fed regularly at the flowering bushes in the garden. Speckled Hummingbird fed in the hibiscus flowers around the dining room. While enjoying a nice breakfast and cup of coffee, other birds and creatures arrived in the garden. Some birds performed very well for us, including striking Paradise Tanagers (of the nominate race) feeding on melastomataceas berries. They were very low, not near the tops of the trees as is usually the case, which allowed almost eye-level views. Spotted Tanager and Blue-necked Tanager also fed nice and low, while Golden-eared Tanager came right to the feeders. Next up was Golden Tanager, which descended to the bird feeders, together with Orange-bellied Euphonia and Blue-grey Tanager, followed by striking Versicolored Barbets (male and female) at the feeders. Other species that showed around the garden were Buff-throated Saltator, Speckled Chachalaca and Dusky-green and Russet-backed Oropendolas. We also had Bolivian Squirrel, Brown Agouti and a shy Tayra, a large terrestrial mustelid, coming to feed on the fruit.

The striking Lemon-throatedBarbet (photo Andrew Cutler).

The lodge was immersed in bird calls from the forest, including skulkers like Yungas Manakin, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Scaly-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Rufous-breasted Antthrush and Chestnut-backed Antshrike. The lodge surroundings provided Stripe-chested Antwren, Marbled-faced Bristle Tyrant, Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Yellow-throated Chlorospingus, Two-banded Warbler, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (also known as Deep-blue Flowerpiercer), Hauxwell’s Thrush, Andean Motmot, Slate-throated Whitestart and Bronze-green Euphonia, and we had nice views of Swallow-tailed Kite, always a pleasure to see.

We went up to an area known as la Union because we had heard there was a new feeding station that was worth a visit. The place is sometimes referred to as “Victor’s Feeders”. Upon arrival we were received by Victor and enjoyed Versicolored Barbet, and a splendid Golden-collared Honeycreeper on the feeder. Other tanagers included Golden-naped, Blue-necked, Golden, Spotted, Blue-capped and White-lined Tanagers. We had our first rain of the trip, which thankfully was more like thick drizzle, so we kept birding. From the road we had a flock containing Bolivian Tyrannulet and the beautiful Orange-eared Tanager.

In the afternoon we explored the road down from the lodge, a few sections of that stretch of road were muddy but fine to walk. We birded at a slow and relaxed pace and eventually spotted a pair of Amazonian Umbrellabirds – we could see the male through the scope on the other side of the river – which made the whole group happy. In the evening some of us saw Rufescent Screech Owl around the lodge cabins.

The male Amazonian Umbrellabird showed incredibly well for us along the Manu Road (photo Andrew Cutler).

Day 13, 13^th July 2025. Inka Amazonia and Bamboo Lodge Feeders

We spent the morning visiting some new feeders down the road, beyond and below the Pilcopata sector at between 1,640 – 1,970 feet (500-600 meters) elevation. Our first station took us to visit Jardin de Picaflores Inka Amazonia. We walked down to the photography and observation blind (hide) to see the impressive King Vultures and we feasted our eyes on great sightings of this iconic species. This, together with Lagarto Cocha in northern Costa Rica, are the only photographic blinds (hides) for King Vulture in the whole of the neotropics.

King Vulture at the photography blind in Manu (photo Andrew Cutler).

After this we moved to the main garden, where the bird feeders have been placed. We had a great morning, with Blue-necked Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Yellow-bellied Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Purple Honeycreeper, Rufous-bellied Euphonia and several Orange-bellied Euphonias. Other additions to the trip were Turquoise Tanager and the exquisite Lemon-throated Barbet as well as a single male Yellow-bellied Dacnis. We also added Wedge-billed Woodcreeper and Plain-crowned Spinetail and, to our surprise, a female Plum-throated Cotinga under the top of the cecropia trees. The excitement peaked when we saw the outstanding male!

Versicolored Barbet at a feeding station (photo Andrew Cutler).

Hummingbirds included the most-wanted Rufous-crested Coquette, one of the favorites of the participants. Others included White-necked Jacobin (the name originates from the bird’s plumage pattern which resembles the hooded robes of Dominican friars, known as Jacobins), a single Blue- tailed Emerald, Grey-breasted Sabrewing (the largest hummingbird in this part of the Amazon rainforest), Long-billed Starthroat, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, the smart Gould’s Jewelfront, White-bearded Hermit and White-browed Hermit, a very localized species in Peru. Only Charlotte and Matthew had a glimpse of the Buff-tailed Sicklebill.

The tiny Rufous-crested Coquette (photo Andrew Cutler).

We spent the whole morning there, then had lunch at Manu Biolodge (previously Villa Carmen). We then made a short visit to Bamboo Lodge, where the only new addition to our list was Green-and-gold Tanager on a feeder. We returned to Cock of the Rock Lodge area and went to see its namesake species displaying at the lek. The famous Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek here is shared by several visitors that are traveling through or staying in the area. The lek activity happens in the early morning and late afternoon. We waited a while and were rewarded with great views of several males displaying. In addition of the national bird of Peru, we had great views of Common Woolly Monkey, we were fortunate as this primate is not always seen.

Rufescent Screech Owl was seen at Cock of the Rock Lodge (photo Matthew Rice).

At lunchtime we briefly visited a spot to find Great Potoo at its daytime roost and some Black-capped Night Monkeys.

In the evening, while washing the vehicle, our driver Hilmar heard the calls of Lyre-tailed Nightjar. Amy and Matthew approached the area and managed to get the male in flight – they were very happy!

Day 14, 14^th July 2025. Manu Endemic Reserve and transfer to Manu BioLodge

We left Cock of the Rock Lodge and went to another new feeding station garden called Manu Endemic Reserve, where we repeated the hummers we had seen yesterday. We tried to get Buff-tailed Sicklebill which usually shows right in the open. Unfortunately, and despite all the time invested, it didn’t show up for us this morning (only showing at 11.30am, after we had left, according to the owner). Nevertheless, it was not in vain as we found new birds including Pale-tailed Barbthroat (a widespread Amazonian species, but quite scarce). We had views of Black-throated Mango, White-browed Hermit, Great-billed Hermit, Rufous-crested Coquette and Fork-tailed Woodnymph amongst others. Along with Masked Tanager, Blue-crowned Trogon, Magpie Tanager, Black-faced Dacnis, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Long-tailed Tyrant, Grey-headed Kite, Yellow-rumped Cacique and Crested Oropendola.

We continued to Pilcopata and Manu Biolodge, where we stayed a night. In the afternoon we explored the surrounding openings, including the botanical gardens and visited the bird blind (hide), where we had fine views of Undulated Tinamou. It was great to see this bird vocalizing, one of the most iconic calls of the Amazon. We also saw Pectoral Sparrow and Grey-fronted Dove.

We returned to the lodge and had good views of Grey-capped Flycatcher, White-eyed Parakeet, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Chestnut-eared Aracari, White-lored Euphonia (also known as Golden-bellied Euphonia), Social Flycatcher, Blue-throated Piping Guan and Spix’s Guan. Some participants managed to see Slender-billed Xenops, Sunbittern, Rufescent Tiger Heron and Grey-cowled Wood Rail. At night we saw and heard a Tropical Screech Owl around the cabins.

Cinereous Tinamou at Manu Biolodge (photo Andrew Cutler).

Day 15, 15^th July 2025. Manu Biolodge and transfer to Cusco

Our last day in Manu had a great start with us back in the bird blind where we had Cinereous Tinamou and Undulated Tinamou, feeding together. In addition, we heard Black-capped Tinamou but it wouldn’t show, even though we waited about an hour for it. We tried for Ringed Antpipit but this remained heard only, and we saw Chestnut-tailed Antbird.

We left the lodge for the long drive back to Cusco, hoping to avoid traffic problems in Paucartambo because today was the main day of the town’s celebrations. Our first stop was at Chonquechaca, where we had great views of the handsome Black-backed Tody Tyrant, another Peruvian endemic. Further up the road, back in the cloudforest and with perfect weather for raptors, we didn’t find any eagles, but we had a nice male Golden-headed Quetzal. We arrived back at Wayquecha, had lunch and continued the drive back to Cusco along an infrequently used road because the main section between Paucartambo and Cusco was closed due to the heavy traffic for the celebrations.

We said goodbye to the high Andes of Cusco, thinking about a lovely trip which had been enjoyed by all tour participants. I’ like to thank the tour group for being such great participants, the lodge staff who worked so hard to provide great service and memorable experiences, including bird reserves staff and feeder staff, as well as our skillful and attentive driver, Hilmar, who went the extra mile to ensure the success of the tour.

We arrived back at Cusco and enjoyed our final dinner as a group in a tourist restaurant, where a musical show entertained us all.

Day 16, 16^th July 2025. Transfer to the airport and flight back to Lima

We were transferred to Cusco airport to connect to our flight back to Lima and home. Andrew and Debra stayed for a couple of extra days to explore the city.

Bird List – Following IOC (14.2)

Birds ‘heard-only’ are marked with (H) after the common name; all other species were seen.

Mammal List – Following Mammal Watching (April 2024)

Reptile and Amphibians List – Following Reptiles of World (October 2023)

This is a sample trip report. Please email us ([email protected]) for more trip reports from this destination.

SOUTH PERU – BIRDING THE INCA EMPIRE, ANDES AND AMAZONIAN RAINFORESTS:

TOUR-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO OUR PERU TOURS

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Please e-mail us (or contact us in a different way, if preferred) before you book any flights, as the information shown here is just an initial guide. Our tour will start in the city of Lima, at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). There are direct flights from several US airports including Atlanta, New York and Miami, European airports including Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid, and most of Latin America including São Paulo, Santiago and Panama. You might wish to consult your travel agent to book your most convenient flight (and contact us if you need guidance). Your tour leader will be waiting for you at Lima airport, with a small board with the Birding Ecotours logo, and will then transfer you to your hotel. Please remember to keep your luggage tags, as they are required to exit the terminal at Lima airport. Please be aware that most international flights arrive in Lima in the late evening, so we don’t have any birding activities planned for Day 1. In case you arrive on an early flight, you will be transferred to the hotel but may have to wait until check-in is available. For early check-in you might be charged extra directly by the hotel; this cost is excluded from the Birding Ecotours tour price.

When filling out the customs declaration form, please use the address below for the hotel:

Hotel Casa Andina Premium Miraflores, Av. La Paz 463, Miraflores, Tel. +51 (01) 2134300

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Our tour will end in the city of Lima, with a domestic flight from Cusco to Lima, where participants can catch international flights. The domestic flight is included in the tour price.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND TOUR PACE

We categorize this trip as moderate difficulty, due to the high elevations in the Andes, hot and humid conditions in the Amazon, and some lengthy drives in the mountains and the Amazon. While on the Manu Road we will visit a number of high elevation sites between 10,800–13,100 feet (3,300–4,000 meters), we will then gradually descend in altitude to the humid foothills at 4,600 feet (1,400 meters). Please keep in mind that we visit very remote places with little infrastructure. Most of the birding consists of walking along roads which range from flat and smooth, to dirt roads, with sandy and uneven terrain as well as various forest trails. At Machu Picchu we walk along some steep terrain but only for short distances. Most of the activities in the Amazon will involve walking along trails or spending time around lodge clearings.

Keep in mind that we will need to be awake very early in the mornings, and pre-dawn starts are in order each day. We normally spend the whole morning birding in the field, returning to the lodge for lunch, then providing opportunities for a little rest, before continuing our birding in the afternoon. Your guide will sometimes invite you to look for owls and wildlife at night, but this is an optional activity that you can skip if you feel tired. Some people prefer to rest, skipping birding in the afternoon; this can be done at those lodges where we are staying more than one night.

Peru is a big country, and the tours include some lengthy drives along the mountain road, known as the Manu Road. Here, we move from lodge to lodge, having two or three nights at each lodge.  The Manu Road is not a paved mountain road and some of its precipitous sections could be scary for people who suffer from height vertigo or acrophobia. These drives are part of the birding schedule, since birds and wildlife are found all along the road. Please note that this trip may be difficult for people with back, walking, and balance problems, or for those who are not used to early starts on a birding trip. A combination of river and land transportation is required to reach the Chuncho Lodge.

MEALS

All meals are included in the itinerary, except when otherwise indicated. Three meals are provided per day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and include vegetarian options. If you have other dietary restrictions, (vegan or gluten intolerance), please check with us beforehand because some dietary restrictions may not be catered for at certain lodges. There will generally be set menus at lodges and restaurants, with a la carte menus available on a few occasions.

We request that you do not buy or eat food from street vendors and rather keep to the restaurants we have selected for the tour. If you are not a vegetarian, you will find that chicken is the most common meat served for meals. In Peru it is common to get two carbohydrates (such as potato and rice) in the same serving.

WEATHER

Year-round, Cusco and the mountainous areas can be cold and chilly, with average temperatures around 46-59 °F (8-15 °C). Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon are hot and humid, with year-round average temperatures of 91-104 °F (33-40 °C). Even during the dry season, we may experience a rainy morning or afternoon while visiting the Amazon and the mountains. In winter (June to August, when this tour takes place), we may experience cold fronts blowing from the south, originating from Antarctica, or from Patagonia to the north, reaching southeast Peru and affecting the Amazon rainforest. This cold front is called “Friaje” and can take between five to seven days to pass. It’s difficult to predict when this will occur, but please be aware that the temperatures in the Amazon may drop to 50 °F (10 °C), making the whole Amazon experience rather chilly and windy.

MONEY AND ATMS

ATM machines are available in Lima, Cusco and Puerto Maldonado. Please keep in mind that these are the only ATMs available on this route, and there will not be time to look for ATMs elsewhere while on tour. Please be sure to plan your cash needs based on ATM availability.

Please note that international bank cards may have a limit of US$200, or equivalent, per withdrawal transaction, or even a US$200 or equivalent, total limit per day. This will depend on your bank, so check with them in advance, before your tour, or bring cash (US dollars) to avoid withdrawals.

LAUNDRY

Laundry service is available at Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Laundry can be expected to be delivered within 24 hours which may take longer in the countryside, where they usually rely on the weather for drying. Laundry fees are not included in the tour price.

ELECTRICITY

In remote places in the Amazon and the mountains, lodges may limit electricity to a few hours per day (normally 6-9 pm) to charge electronic devices. Some places, including Cock of the Rock Lodge and Chuncho Lodge only have solar panels and most of the electricity generated is used to run the kitchens, sometimes with a little excess for charging devices and batteries. The situation is, however, continually improving, for example, Villa Carmen now provides 24-hour electricity in the reserve.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Please note that a camera with a long lens (including those that use a tripod or monopod) may be considered a “professional” camera by the authorities at the archeological site and museum of Machu Picchu. They may not allow you to enter the site if you have a camera with a long lens with you. Prior permission is required to use “professional” cameras within the site and must be obtained in Cusco prior to your Machu Picchu visit. If you carry a camera with a long lens, we request that you leave it at the hotel for the day that we visit Machu Picchu, and use a small/short lens, or only your mobile phone, for your photos within the site.

Please note that bird photography is welcome during the tour, but photographic opportunities or personal agendas cannot take priority over the birding itinerary, for the sake of the whole group.

Some lodges do not allow the use of a flash to photograph birds at feeders. Furthermore, we request participants to rather not use a flash when photographing owls and nightbirds, when we use a spotlight.

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‘Eduardo was a fantastic guide. Our trip to Peru and Manu was catered to be one of culture, wildlife, and of course, birds. Eduardo is very patient and knowledgeable, a great conversationalist guide as well! My first trip to South America was overall an incredible experience, even with a tight schedule of less than two weeks. Well done!’
Noah

‘Peru was extraordinary!!!!!! My “to do” list includes a message to Eduardo with some images that we captured and a tally of the last day’s birds seen with Dennis near Lima, so he can prepare a complete trip report. Wil and I completed our tally while he was still here visiting after our trip and it came in at a staggering 430+ species seen, and a trip total of 460 species either seen or heard by the Taylor brothers. Your guys delivered BIG TIME on this trip, with three stellar guides and nearly flawless logistics, including two excellent drivers as well. Can’t thank you enough, Chris.

Eduardo, as you no doubt already know, was top notch. It was tough saying good bye to him and Raul when they dropped us at the Cusco airport. We could not have had a better guide/driver combo for the core of the trip.

Wil and I have never hesitated to recommend you and BE to our acquaintances, and we now know that our unconditional recommendation can be extended to your Peruvian office as well. Thanks a million for your help in getting the Peru trip arranged. We’ll be in touch. I attach a photo of satisfied customers with their weary guide near the lower end of the Manu Road, with the Rio Union in the background.

For my part, the tour with you was the best overall of all the tours we’ve taken; most memorable, rewarding, and enjoyable.’
John